hawkish

adjective

Definition of hawkishnext
as in warlike

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hawkish Progressives see centrists’ strategic competition frame as excessively hawkish and as a self-fulfilling prophecy. — Thomas Wright, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026 The speech included observations that were hawkish on inflation, mindful of the real economy, and posed questions about the promise of artificial intelligence. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026 The President of the United States (John Goodman) and his cabinet of hawkish generals, gargoyle-ish officials, and speaking-in-tongues spiritual advisors gather at the oilman’s house to discuss next steps. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2026 Bond yields had been steadily climbing this year before soaring higher on Wednesday after strong economic data, hawkish comments from a key Federal Reserve official and a weak bond auction. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hawkish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hawkish
  1. warlike
  2. bloodthirsty
  3. militaristic
  4. militarist
  5. martial
Adjective
  • Macron says fires are warlike crisis for France Out-of-control wildfires represent France’s greatest crisis since World War II, President Emmanuel Macron said.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 29 July 2026
  • The poem that precedes it, the Iliad, is a cruel and beautiful work, the ultimate story of war; the Odyssey has its warlike passages, but its central energies seem almost commonplace beside the merciless fury of Achilles.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
Definition of warlike
Adjective
  • But part of our enjoyment, as an audience, is watching some of Britain’s most recognizable names turn into bloodthirsty killing machines.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2026
  • And Sarah’s journey to becoming the final girl is harrowing even without the monsters, as friend-group betrayal is arguably as horrifying as the claustrophobic terror of being trapped in increasingly tight caves with bloodthirsty humanoids.
    — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of bloodthirsty
Adjective
  • The whole goal of our job is to provide maximum resources without the appearance of overwhelming, overt militaristic sight.
    — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The premium hardware and 500D nylon build offer IPX4 splash protection and rugged longevity without relying on the loud, militaristic styling that makes other tactical packs look out of place in a professional office.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of militaristic
Adjective
  • Japan has neither of such weapons, and yet Japan is labeled neo-militarist.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 31 May 2026
  • Right, in France, means pro-Catholic, pro-militarist.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2025
Definition of militarist
Adjective
  • At Imperial Entertainment, Karson directed Van Damme in Black Eagle (1988), then reunited with the Belgian martial artist on Lionheart (1990), directed by Sheldon Lettich.
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Lakshmana appears as a prince named Lakkhana, who lacks the martial abilities of Valmiki’s Lakshmana.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of martial

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hawking
hawkish
hawks
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Cite this Entry

“Hawkish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hawkish. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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